'There is still a lot of life in Chris Gayle'

Is the Universe Boss ready to hang up his boots? Not quite - poor year or not

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Play08:18

'I give the people what they want'

He saunters into the room - personality first, person later. Chris Gayle is dressed in an all-white ensemble. White shirt. White pants. White blazer. White shoes. He's been filming an advertisement as brand ambassador for a gaming company in Bengaluru. It involves shaking a leg. To indulge him, some rushes have been sent to his phone. Gayle likes to watch himself dance and laughs heartily as the clip plays. We are in a small room, bursting with people - tailors, designers, lightmen, camera operators, managers, bouncers and just general hangers-on. Gayle knows all this fuss is for him and about him. He likes it.

"Universe Boss?" I ask him as we begin our interview, "That's what you like to be called?"

"That's who I am," he chuckles. "I am very good at dancing. Very good at entertaining. I give the people what they want, put it that way. There's no better person to do such things than Chris Gayle."

There's little doubt Gayle can dance, or that it is entertaining to watch him do it. However, it is with a bat in hand that he has patented the formula for entertaining fans worldwide. Last Sunday, in front of his home crowd in Jamaica, Gayle was given the chance to do so for the first time since that insane day in Kolkata in April 2016, when he and a merry band of men in maroon captured a second World T20 title in a pulsating final against England.

We are in a small room, bursting with people - tailors, designers, lightmen, camera operators, managers, bouncers and just general hangers-on. Gayle knows all this fuss is for him and about him. He likes it

Gayle himself failed to sparkle in his comeback game, making a laborious 18 in 20 balls, but an astonishing assault from Evin Lewis secured West Indies victory, embellishing their credentials as the world's foremost team in the format. And as the oldest player in the group, Gayle was thrilled to be back in the mix - just doing his thing, in front of people who adore him and have watched him turn into one of the game's modern-day superstars.

"I felt like a debutant, like walking out in my first game," he said. "It was very good playing back for the West Indies. A lot of people have been speculating, 'When are you going to play for West Indies again, are you finished with West Indies?' No, I am not finished with the West Indies, to be honest with you. They understand where I am coming from, what I am doing. I am 37 as well now, things actually change. To play in front of my home crowd as well, that was something brilliant. I could actually see the joy, people actually turn out to come and watch the game. There is still a lot of life in Chris Gayle."

It has been nearly three years since Gayle last played a Test for West Indies. He hasn't turned up in an ODI since the 2015 World Cup. His primary profession these days is donning team uniforms in various T20 leagues around the world as a gun for hire.

His (and other players') relationship with the cricket bosses back home has been ruptured for a while but suddenly there is a ray of hope. There is talk of a truce in the air, and the star players from the islands, so in demand by T20 franchises around the world, might return soon to national duty as well. Gayle admits "things are working out" but isn't sure if he will be back as soon as the one-day series in England in a few weeks.

"Nothing to my knowledge is yet concrete and put on paper that this is the procedure from here on, he says. "I am still waiting to hear from them on what the procedure will be. What will be next for players who don't actually play in the [local] first-class cricket if they can represent the West Indies? So we just have to wait and see if these things work out. There have been some mends made there, so we just wait and see.

"It has been a year since I played for West Indies, so I haven't been in the system too much, just looking from the outside, to be honest with you. I wasn't really following it because I was busy doing other things, trying to get my life together, being a family man as well now. It is a young team as well. They are definitely trying their best to get life back in West Indies cricket that it actually deserves. That's what the people want as well."

Even if a truce is achieved, Gayle will know he can't simply walk back into the set-up, despite his formidable reputation. His form this year has been wretched, with only 378 runs in 19 T20 innings in the PSL, IPL, and the one-off appearance for West Indies. This has, in fact, been his worst year of any in which he has played more than ten innings. Are his famed powers on the wane?

"You are the Universe Boss and they don't get old," I joke, "but you are 37 years old now."

"Thirty-seven years young now," he merrily interrupts.

"I am very good at dancing. Very good at entertaining. I give the people what they want, put it that way. There's no better person to do such things than Chris Gayle"

Can he make the 2019 World Cup?

"Yes, it's possible. You can't say anything about injuries, those things do happen in sports. When you look at 2019, it is pretty much around the corner, because I will be busy playing cricket and you don't realise how time actually flies. That's my target - to play the 2019 World Cup and have some part to play."

"What do you attribute the lack of form this year to?"

"Definitely a dip in form. Playing with the niggles as well. I had a back problem - those things actually changed my game. Didn't get the right time to actually prepare properly after making the necessary adjustments to be much fitter. That's what I am working at now, to get to full fitness. Once I am fully fit, everything will come back into play as well. You are a cricketer, it isn't all the time you are going to score runs, you know."

Gayle is aware that even participating in the 2019 World Cup isn't in fact a done deal for West Indies. With the September 30 cut-off deadline approaching to be among the eight teams to make the grade directly for the tournament, the team needs a minor miracle. Gayle says he is fully committed to contribute "whatever steps" are needed to ensure West Indies get there, including making himself available to play the qualifying tournament next year alongside teams such as Zimbabwe, Afghanistan, Ireland and Scotland to be among the two teams to join the eight direct qualifiers.

"We don't want to miss out on a World Cup event," he says. "It was sad what happened in the Champions Trophy, with no West Indies team there for the first time. That is disappointing. We don't want to miss out on a World Cup, that will be more devastating for us."

"I am in my whites, so I am ready for a Test match," he laughs. "Even if it is going to be one Test match, a farewell Test match, I definitely want to play. But if it is not possible, if the body doesn't allow me to, then I will announce my retirement from Test cricket. But yes, it is still in the mindset."

And what about the IPL. Does he expect to be retained by RCB for the next IPL season?

"That will be up to them. Option is always open for any particular team, but they have been fantastic. To be associated with such a franchise has been brilliant. We don't know what the rules will be, but hopefully, fingers crossed, you will see the Gayle storm in IPL again."

Pleased to have put out another punchline, it's time to get back to filming. After the whistle-stop weekend in Bengaluru, Gayle has a brief stopover in Dubai before heading back home to Jamaica, where his one-year-old daughter will be waiting. For a man accustomed to being on the road, her arrival has been life-changing. When the Universe Boss gets home, daddy duties await, and he doesn't mind those at all.

"I can't complain one bit, it keeps me busier," he guffaws. "Running around the house, shaking bottles, changing the Pampers... I am not good at changing the Pampers, I let the mom do most of that part. Just more joy and happiness within your life. When a child smiles at you, it is such a relief. You have a hard day and come home, she runs to you, you lift her up, it's a great, great feeling."

"Maybe she can be a future opener for the West Indies women's team?" I ask.

Gayle has entertained us over the years. This man has done incredible things and will forever be remembered. Yes the skills are on the decline and the brilliant star of old, is fading with age. But he has given the record books a brilliant shine and that sparkle will never fade. Thanks for the memories, Chris.

Peter
on July 19, 2017, 15:08 GMT

To me Gayle has deserved a chance to compete for a place in the WI Team across all three formats. There is no doubt that his reflexes are declining with edge. There is no doubt that he had a bad IPL year but then again many greats in the twilight of their career one or the other bad year and managed to come back to close out their career in style. For me the key question is if he really wants to compete- Is he willing to work hard, get back in shape, step up his training or will he when it matters prefer to go the easy path... another couple of IPL seasons.. We will soon see.

Altaf
on July 19, 2017, 11:46 GMT

I don't agree with that. In this year's IPL, he completely failed in all 14 games. Just horrible.

Allan
on July 18, 2017, 13:07 GMT

Old cricketers are akin to old fighters in that even when they are finished, they always think that they have one last good fight. However, when put to the test, the reality in the arena, to no one's surprise, is different from the 'reality" in their minds.

Dal
on July 18, 2017, 9:54 GMT

Hes finished...living on past glories

Jose
on July 18, 2017, 8:25 GMT

@ Cric on July 17, 2017, 18:16GMT

Gooch in '92? I can't even murmur against that! Mouth shut & retreat!

Though Traicos was good enough, Zimbabwe didn't have too many choices at that time. Moreover he was captaincy material & fit. One can find quite a few such examples from many associate teams even now. For Bermuda, even fitness wasn't an issue! You remember that humongous flying catch (sorry I forgot his name -Dwayne ... ?)

I am trying to visualize Gayle at 40, with HIS recent lifestyle (at least when he is India). I think, WI may have better choices. If he takes it as a mission and works on it, and makes it... I will only be too glad, being his fan. But being realistic, trying to accept (perceived) realities.

ashfaq1090816
on July 18, 2017, 5:36 GMT

Chris gayle is finished. He is a T20 hero now and poster boy of IPL which is rarely a cricket but more a TV reality show. Don think chris got that possible skill to upset International cricket.

mas_na0601252
on July 18, 2017, 4:11 GMT

Chris Gayle deserves ĺat lest one more test. He has a terrific test record with 2 triple centuries and a 40+average in over 100 tests which is incredible since he is only viewed as a just a t20 star. I dont think it would hurt playing him since he most likely would score as much as the second opener alongside kraigg or even more with his experience and destructive power. I would love and appreciate to see the big man back in white colouts for windies

Niranjan
on July 18, 2017, 3:17 GMT

He never really made his mark with the Windies partly due to politics and he could only show his prowess with IPL!

jaswant
on July 18, 2017, 2:21 GMT

His time is over and done with. Cricket is what happens now,not the luminous reputation. WICB is a shame to cricket.

Sammy K
on July 19, 2017, 18:26 GMT

Gayle has entertained us over the years. This man has done incredible things and will forever be remembered. Yes the skills are on the decline and the brilliant star of old, is fading with age. But he has given the record books a brilliant shine and that sparkle will never fade. Thanks for the memories, Chris.

Peter
on July 19, 2017, 15:08 GMT

To me Gayle has deserved a chance to compete for a place in the WI Team across all three formats. There is no doubt that his reflexes are declining with edge. There is no doubt that he had a bad IPL year but then again many greats in the twilight of their career one or the other bad year and managed to come back to close out their career in style. For me the key question is if he really wants to compete- Is he willing to work hard, get back in shape, step up his training or will he when it matters prefer to go the easy path... another couple of IPL seasons.. We will soon see.

Altaf
on July 19, 2017, 11:46 GMT

I don't agree with that. In this year's IPL, he completely failed in all 14 games. Just horrible.

Allan
on July 18, 2017, 13:07 GMT

Old cricketers are akin to old fighters in that even when they are finished, they always think that they have one last good fight. However, when put to the test, the reality in the arena, to no one's surprise, is different from the 'reality" in their minds.

Dal
on July 18, 2017, 9:54 GMT

Hes finished...living on past glories

Jose
on July 18, 2017, 8:25 GMT

@ Cric on July 17, 2017, 18:16GMT

Gooch in '92? I can't even murmur against that! Mouth shut & retreat!

Though Traicos was good enough, Zimbabwe didn't have too many choices at that time. Moreover he was captaincy material & fit. One can find quite a few such examples from many associate teams even now. For Bermuda, even fitness wasn't an issue! You remember that humongous flying catch (sorry I forgot his name -Dwayne ... ?)

I am trying to visualize Gayle at 40, with HIS recent lifestyle (at least when he is India). I think, WI may have better choices. If he takes it as a mission and works on it, and makes it... I will only be too glad, being his fan. But being realistic, trying to accept (perceived) realities.

ashfaq1090816
on July 18, 2017, 5:36 GMT

Chris gayle is finished. He is a T20 hero now and poster boy of IPL which is rarely a cricket but more a TV reality show. Don think chris got that possible skill to upset International cricket.

mas_na0601252
on July 18, 2017, 4:11 GMT

Chris Gayle deserves ĺat lest one more test. He has a terrific test record with 2 triple centuries and a 40+average in over 100 tests which is incredible since he is only viewed as a just a t20 star. I dont think it would hurt playing him since he most likely would score as much as the second opener alongside kraigg or even more with his experience and destructive power. I would love and appreciate to see the big man back in white colouts for windies

Niranjan
on July 18, 2017, 3:17 GMT

He never really made his mark with the Windies partly due to politics and he could only show his prowess with IPL!

jaswant
on July 18, 2017, 2:21 GMT

His time is over and done with. Cricket is what happens now,not the luminous reputation. WICB is a shame to cricket.

Chris
on July 18, 2017, 0:28 GMT

talking about yourself in third person? Why?

Michael
on July 17, 2017, 20:14 GMT

Chris Gayle continues to fool himself.Someone needs to tell him his best buy date is long gone and after the England tour he will be taken off the shelf.

Hashim
on July 17, 2017, 19:44 GMT

Some of the below comments on Chris Gayle's availability for the 2019 world cup are ridiculous. You can't judge a player based on T20 leagues. He may have lost his superiority in the shortest format, but not in ODIs. Yuvraj Singh is a perfect example in this particular instance. They continued to select him in T20s, but he failed to respond in terms of runs. He went back to domestic cricket and scored heavily, which gave him a glimmer of hope. He returned to 50 overs cricket, and oh boy he responded. Scored a majestic 150 (his highest individual score in ODIs), and shut down all the critics that had been made.

Gayle can take some inspiration from Yuvraj, and hopefully be a regular feature for the West Indies for a few more years.

Talking about test cricket, it is the only format in which Gayle should call it a day. He may be able to play consistent amount of ODIs, but playing 5 days in a row doesn't seem realistic/down-to-earth, and it can induce further injuries to Gayle's body.

Cric
on July 17, 2017, 18:16 GMT

Jose- Ummm no, Traicos was 40 when he captained Zimbabwe in 1987. Gooch was 39, when England played the '92 final.

Cric
on July 17, 2017, 18:12 GMT

Mostly useless when it matters

Steve
on July 17, 2017, 17:14 GMT

Gayle is done. His performances in T20 domestic leagues, the only format he plays these days anyway, was nothing but ordinary. BBL was looking for a reason to get rid off him, and they did, other leagues will follow suit. It's only a matter of time. Time to move on for Gayle himself and all others.

Cric
on July 17, 2017, 17:01 GMT

Mostly useless when it matters.

Jose
on July 17, 2017, 16:33 GMT

He may be the first one to play in the World Cup almost at the age of 40!

Ain't that great? By any reckoning?

Write a calypso about him. Get a singing & dancing group ready to sing them on the sidelines of the World Cup, since that may be the only entertainment , you may end up seeing, as far as anything to do with this "Emperor of the Universe" is concerned. I mean, by then!

Ray
on July 17, 2017, 16:29 GMT

"He saunters into the room - personality first, person later." Find it hard to believe that anything other than his head and massive conceit could fit into one room.

Jose
on July 17, 2017, 16:22 GMT

As good a salesman, as he is,

He may convince anyone,

At almost 38, he is as good as two young 19 year old!

Like a two-in-one radio of the old days.

Or, buy-one-take-one, of anything, as in these modern days,

You hire him & also his grandma, a la Geoffrey's

You will get a free T-shirt printed with the picture,

Of the self-styled "Emperor of the Universe"!

What else do you want? Hey Maaan! Think about it!

pbcfl02321737
on July 17, 2017, 15:30 GMT

Chris Gayle is a total entertainer and the game needs characters like him but unfortunately, time may not be on his side.

ishant5386218
on July 17, 2017, 14:57 GMT

When a child smiles at you, it is such a relief. You have a hard day and come home, she runs to you, you lift her up, it's a great, great feeling.

Champion you stolen My feelings.. Love you the universe boss..

Muhammad
on July 17, 2017, 13:04 GMT

Good luck the Universe Boss, the entertainer. Hope to see you entertain in 2019 World Cup.

Vikas
on July 17, 2017, 12:36 GMT

Gayle missed the conditioning that helps to keep the ravages on the body by Father Time. This is only available when you are associated with a national team, as discipline and your fellow teammates motivate you. When you are a freelancer, you are all alone by yourself and can lie on bed all day long and not keep yourself fit. This is what happened to Gayle.

m.opin1594230
on July 17, 2017, 12:33 GMT

Since decline in 2020 performance, he should now concentrate on test cricket till he reaches 40 +. Age is never a barrier when you have fitness.
Seen several players playint at international level at 41-42 in recent times.
Hope he plays.

Tracey
on July 17, 2017, 12:24 GMT

One of ONLY FOUR CRICKETERS EVER to score 2 Triple centuries (the others being Bradman, Sehwag and Lara). Who can question his greatness? The Dravids, Waughs, Tendulkars and Cooks cannot even post ONE TRIPLE century. Yet still Cameron and his lackeys are trying to marginalize him. Whether you like Gayle or not, his place is indelibly etched in Cricket's History. Great is Chris Gayle and he will continue to prevail.

Edwin
on July 17, 2017, 11:34 GMT

Whether Gayle makes the WI team or not, if they can select from ALL available players they are a formidable unit....and yes, I include Chanderpaul in the Test Match space.

Jon
on July 17, 2017, 11:00 GMT

His fielding is now poor and his eye has "gone". I used to love watching him bat, after a straight six off Steyn I can still see now the look of bemusement on Steyns face (this was when Steyn was a genuine quick) but time gets to us all, even the boss of the universe.

No featured comments at the moment.

Jon
on July 17, 2017, 11:00 GMT

His fielding is now poor and his eye has "gone". I used to love watching him bat, after a straight six off Steyn I can still see now the look of bemusement on Steyns face (this was when Steyn was a genuine quick) but time gets to us all, even the boss of the universe.

Edwin
on July 17, 2017, 11:34 GMT

Whether Gayle makes the WI team or not, if they can select from ALL available players they are a formidable unit....and yes, I include Chanderpaul in the Test Match space.

Tracey
on July 17, 2017, 12:24 GMT

One of ONLY FOUR CRICKETERS EVER to score 2 Triple centuries (the others being Bradman, Sehwag and Lara). Who can question his greatness? The Dravids, Waughs, Tendulkars and Cooks cannot even post ONE TRIPLE century. Yet still Cameron and his lackeys are trying to marginalize him. Whether you like Gayle or not, his place is indelibly etched in Cricket's History. Great is Chris Gayle and he will continue to prevail.

m.opin1594230
on July 17, 2017, 12:33 GMT

Since decline in 2020 performance, he should now concentrate on test cricket till he reaches 40 +. Age is never a barrier when you have fitness.
Seen several players playint at international level at 41-42 in recent times.
Hope he plays.

Vikas
on July 17, 2017, 12:36 GMT

Gayle missed the conditioning that helps to keep the ravages on the body by Father Time. This is only available when you are associated with a national team, as discipline and your fellow teammates motivate you. When you are a freelancer, you are all alone by yourself and can lie on bed all day long and not keep yourself fit. This is what happened to Gayle.

Muhammad
on July 17, 2017, 13:04 GMT

Good luck the Universe Boss, the entertainer. Hope to see you entertain in 2019 World Cup.

ishant5386218
on July 17, 2017, 14:57 GMT

When a child smiles at you, it is such a relief. You have a hard day and come home, she runs to you, you lift her up, it's a great, great feeling.

Champion you stolen My feelings.. Love you the universe boss..

pbcfl02321737
on July 17, 2017, 15:30 GMT

Chris Gayle is a total entertainer and the game needs characters like him but unfortunately, time may not be on his side.

Jose
on July 17, 2017, 16:22 GMT

As good a salesman, as he is,

He may convince anyone,

At almost 38, he is as good as two young 19 year old!

Like a two-in-one radio of the old days.

Or, buy-one-take-one, of anything, as in these modern days,

You hire him & also his grandma, a la Geoffrey's

You will get a free T-shirt printed with the picture,

Of the self-styled "Emperor of the Universe"!

What else do you want? Hey Maaan! Think about it!

Ray
on July 17, 2017, 16:29 GMT

"He saunters into the room - personality first, person later." Find it hard to believe that anything other than his head and massive conceit could fit into one room.

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